Epic Of The Demonic Sage

“Yes, of course, mercenaries such as yourself would be no doubt familiar with creatures such as these. Do any of you have any personal encounter with them?” Lucius asked.

“We’d rather hope not to ever have any encounter with them.” Barty said quickly.

“Everyone knows that Frenzy Apes are dangerous creatures, Young Lord Asher. They are classified as D ranked beasts, but by far, they are most likely more dangerous than even a lot of C ranked beasts due to their nature.” Finch added with a helpful smile.

“Er, it’s really nothing to smile about. They can break through metal armor, but most importantly, are intelligent. Some compared them to maybe a child that’s ten years old? Not much to us, but to beasts, that means that they’re intelligent enough to coordinate and plan attacks against their enemies.” Albus said.

“Huh, didn’t think that you’d actually know anything about it, Albus.” Ariana suddenly teased with a grin. “Sounds like someone’s most common nightmare huh? Frenzy Apes in your dreams.”

“Shut it.” Albus rolled his eyes. “You were the one who’s been dreaming about…”

“Ahem. The Frenzy Apes are known to have gathered their tribes and then go bearing down on whatever village has earned their strife. They are a catastrophic group. Not only because of their power alone but because of their combined efforts as Albus has stated, Young Lord Asher.” Gellor said, straightening up. “If you were to ask all five of us to lead an expedition there, I am afraid that even we will find ourselves incredibly at a risk…”

While the rest of Gellor’s team were more than happy to provide information to Young Lord Asher and had grown to trust him and felt immensely loyal to him, Gellor at least had the sense to distinguish that mentioning it meant something.

The faces of Barty, Albus, Ariana and even Finch sobered. They were a good team, praised and with a good track record that they were reliable and hence became recommended by Kiana when Asher first sought mercenaries…

However, it did not mean that they were miracle makers.

If one Frenzy Ape tribe had at least 100 members, it would be a fight of 1 against 20 Frenzy Apes and that was simply too much of a death wish.

“We could perhaps make collaborations with other teams, Young Lord Asher. It will be another commission, but if the value of these rune crystals are necessary for you, then we will find a way.” Gellor added earnestly.

“That will not be necessary, at least, I hope that it will not be so. I also wish to avoid risks such as that.” Lucius explained. “I merely wish for you to obtain Frenzy Ape Rune Crystals. No need to personally make battles if they are beyond your current means. I only ask because Frenzy Apes Rune Crystals are unavailable here in Inanis City.”

“Well, they are from the south, Young Lord Asher. That much is to be expected.” Finch said with a courteous nod. “There are traders that come from the south that wish to sell off their wares, so perhaps we might find an opportunity to…”

“I have already checked. There are no Frenzy Ape rune crystals within the city and other nearby locations.” Kiana said primly and eyed the woman with a normal, but slightly discomfort-inducing stare.

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“My home?” Albus frowned. “I don’t live anywhere close… wait, the forests and the apes, huh? Very funny, Finch.”

Ariana chuckled alongside Barty. Meanwhile Finch simply smiled and continued with her explanation.

“The area is beyond Aisse Territory, Young Lord Asher, and from what I know, the closest place to that location is none other than the South Shine town.”

Albus brows raised. “Huh, there’s actually a place that exists even though Frenzy Apes are…”

“It’s not a small village, Albus. It’s a town and far more equipped with the methods of dealing with Frenzy Apes becoming restless. They also have high ranked hunters, gatherers and tamers there.”

“Right. Wait, gatherers?”

“Despite being filled with Frenzy Apes, there are a lot of exotic plants and other materials that are of great interests to scholars, researchers and other individuals.” 

“Ah.” Albus said.

“Well once again, there is no need to go to the jungle yourself. Instead, I will be sending all of you with enough funds to head there and also purchase Frenzy Ape rune crystals. They most likely have it in store.” Lucius said.

A look of relief crossed over Gellor’s face. He’d rather not put any of his team in any danger, before he nodded.

“We will do as you ask, Young Lord Asher.” 

“Good. Please report that to me alongside 200 liters of Mixed Beast Blood. With the assortment of creatures in the southern jungles, they most likely have more stock there than we have here.” Lucius said.

“We understand, Young Lord Asher.”

After a couple more conversations, the meeting with Gellor and his group soon came to an end with Kiana coordinating and facilitating with Gellor in terms of the funds that they will be bringing.

Lucius was a little out of earshot when Albus joked.

“That’s a lot of money, we can get that and retire to the jungles.”

Kiana sent the mercenary a scathing look, whereas Gellor merely shook his head and sighed, practically at used to it.

“Ignore him, Kiana. I’d leave and dump him in the jungles if I get the chance.” Gellor said.

“That’s not very nice to hear, Captain.” Albus said with a chuckle.

Kiana herself didn’t exactly smile, but she let out a nod and relaxed a little. She may not have liked everyone in Gellor’s group, but she trusted the man, and so trusted that he knew how to pick his men.

“But ah… if I may ask you something, Kiana.” Gellor cleared his throat.

“You can just spit it out now, Gellor.” Kiana said. “No need to hesitate around me.”

“These things that Young Lord Asher is asking for…”

“I think you already know what it’s for. Just come back as soon as you can.”